Maisey Cottage Gilberts End Lane, Hanley Castle, Worcester, WR8 0BX

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the appeal site would be a suitable location for new housing, having regard to access to goods and services, and the development strategy
• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• if harm arises, whether this is outweighed by other matters including housing land supply and self build housing provision

What decided it

The appeal site's location outside the settlement boundary in open countryside, combined with poor accessibility to services and the requirement for car-dependent travel, conflicts with the development strategy and sustainability policies which are not out of date, and the harm to character and appearance cannot be outweighed by the self-build housing need.

The limited benefits of self-build housing provision and social and economic benefits from construction and future occupant spending would not outweigh the significant adverse impacts of locating a new dwelling in an unsustainable location contrary to the development strategy and causing harm to rural character and appearance.